Jackson Jay “Jack” Murray

Jackson Jay “Jack” Murray

Jul 19, 1943 – Jul 14, 2017

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 18th from 6pm to 8pm at the Bel Air Chapel, 12100 W. Center Rd.  MEMORIAL SERVICE Wednesday, July 19th at 1pm at the Bel Air Chapel.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

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A Celebration of the Life of Jackson J. Murray

 We gather today to celebrate the life of Jackson Jay Murray. What a celebration this will be as today is his 74th Birthday. Jackson was born to Guy and Helen (Prell) Murray in Wahoo, Nebraska, on July 19, 1943.  A graduate of Benedict High School, Jackson attended eight different high schools.  He attended Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska, where he played football and pole vaulted for the track team. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and endorsements in Biological Sciences and Physical Education. After graduation, he taught at Palmer, Nebraska (1966-1969), at Sidney, Nebraska (1969-1973), at Cathedral High School in Omaha (1973-1975), at Superior, Nebraska (1975-1985), and Ashland, Nebraska (1985-2002). Throughout his teaching career Jack coached football, wrestling, and track. Jack made many lifelong friends throughout his teaching and coaching career. Coaching was his true passion and he dedicated so much time and love to the sport and the relationships it built. It was with great honor that he was inducted to the Nebraska Schools Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame on July 12, 2003. After Jack retired, he taught for a couple of years in Omaha Public Schools. He was currently working for Capital Express.

Jack is survived by his wife, Jean; children: Ashlee Murray, Susan Schutte (Al), Jay Murray; grandchildren, Kaylee Schutte, Jaycee Schutte; brothers, Tom (Janice) Murray of Nelson, Nebraska, Larry Murray of Ocala, Florida, and Dan Murray of Wichita, Kansas; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by wife, Norma (Huegel) Murray; brothers, Guy Murray and Cliff Murray; parents, Guy and Helen Murray.

Jack married his first wife, Norma (Huegel) Murray, on June 30,1962. They were married 29 years. During their marriage, they were blessed with two children, Jay and Susan. Norma died of leukemia on January 31, 1993. Two years later, Jack started dating his second wife, Jean Oxenhardt. They were married one year later, on June 5, 1996. They just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Ashlee Murray.

Jack dedicated his life to his children and grandchildren. He spent a lot of time supporting his kids and grandkids by watching them participate in sports and excelling in life. He was their biggest fan. Sports was such a big part of his life. He enjoyed “helping” the refs make the right calls. He rarely missed a game. When he was not supporting his children/grandchildren, he loved to engage in many activities. These included: playing cards, fishing, golfing, boating, traveling, Nebraska football and wrestling, going to the Ashland/Greenwood wrestling tournaments, state wrestling tournaments (talking to all of his old wrestlers, families, and colleagues), going out to eat with his family, hanging out with his good friends, sharing stories, going on “Sunday” drives, watching CSI, Blue Bloods, Bones, and Law and Order. Even though he would never admit it, he also loved his dogs.

Jack was a very social person. He seemed to know everyone. Even if he did not know you, he would talk to you anyway. He was able to make a connection with everyone he came in contact with. We loved his “Jackisms” and he would make us laugh daily. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He will truly be missed.

 

 

9 Comments

  • Karla and Mike Posted July 16, 2017 5:24 pm

    To you Jean, Ashlee, Susan and Jay,
    Mike and I are so saddened by Jack’s passing and we are praying for you and your families.
    We have known Jack for 40 years and can’t say enough good things about this man. He was always kind to Mike and I and brought laughter to our family. Our children’s memories of our visits when they were younger and as they grew up the older two, David and Mallory getting married, he was there supporting them. He was always there for us. Love you guys!
    We will miss him dearly.
    Karla and Mike

  • Larry Munn Posted July 17, 2017 10:35 am

    I was so sorry to hear about Jack. Our friendship goes back to Midland’s football days, and continued in our competition in coaching. I often would see him at Midland’s Homecomings, and catch up on his family. He was a great man and friend. We even had a mutual friendship with the Claytons. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. RIP Jack. You were one of the best.

  • Peggy Curtis Posted July 17, 2017 4:26 pm

    Jean and family I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s death. I know he was respected and loved by the Ashland Greenwood students, staff and families that knew him.
    Prayers for all of you.

  • John Sloane Posted July 17, 2017 5:47 pm

    So sad to hear of Mr. Murray passing. Our prayers are with his family. One of my favorite teachers. Superior, NE class of 1982.

  • Lee and Judy Malmos Posted July 18, 2017 4:56 am

    Jay and Susan, So sorry to hear about your Dad.. We have a lot of “Superior” Memories! Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.

  • Dick and Karen Wray Posted July 18, 2017 11:18 am

    I lost a great friend, teacher, coach and colleague in Jack Murray. We shared many wonderful times as athletes in football and track at Midland College. Jack meant so many positive things to so many people as he did at Midland. Jack and I shared many memories from Midland as I also taught and coached football and track in Nebraska and Arizona. Jack, you were a special person that impacted so many people during your career. Thanks for your friendship and God Bless your wonderful families.

  • Betty Odom Posted July 18, 2017 8:01 pm

    Jack was a wonderful man and he will be missed . Prayers go out to Ashley and Jean. Will never for get all the family fun we had at the lake.. Were all Praying for you in Ga.

  • Todd Odom Posted July 19, 2017 8:12 pm

    Jean, Ashlee, you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Jack was a good man that left a wonderful legacy.

  • Betsy Murray Posted July 20, 2017 1:36 am

    I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing and extend my sympathies to Jean, Ashley, Jay and Susan. Jack was an uncle to my children Eric, Tonya and Angie. I wish we could have been there but wish the best for all the family. He has now joined his other family members in heaven.

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